033.1161/6–1545: Telegram

The Ambassador in the Soviet Union ( Harriman ) to the Secretary of State

2105. ReDept’s 1307 and 1308, June 14, 7 p.m.3 Today I had a chance to talk informally to Molotov about the question of Congressmen making unofficial visits to Moscow. He said the Soviet Govt had no objection to such visits providing sufficient notice was given and that accommodations were then available. It was suggested that the Congressmen should apply to the Soviet Amb in whatever capital they might be. Molotov also assumes that there [Page 862] is no obligation on his part or the Soviet Govt’s to entertain them officially, although Voks4 or some other agency would arrange for them to see what was of interest to them. Molotov said also that some Congressmen had applied in Paris and that visas had been authorized.

I hope that I will be personally informed of any prospective visitors and the time of arrival so that I can have them met at the airport and entertain and assist them while in Moscow.5

I then asked whether an official visit of Congressional delegation similar to the Brit Parliamentary delegation would be welcome. Molotov said that of course they would be welcome but again requested that if such a visit were contemplated sufficient advance notice should be given and a date selected that would be convenient to the Soviet Govt. Such a delegation would of course be officially received and entertained by the Soviet Govt.

To Dept as No. 2105, rptd for info to Paris as No. 193, London as No. 287, and Rome as No. 45.

Harriman
  1. Neither printed.
  2. All-Union Society for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries.
  3. During the summer of 1945, particularly while the 79th Congress, 1st session, was in recess (the House of Representatives from July 21 and the Senate from August 1, until September 5), several delegations of Congressmen planned visits to the Soviet Union, mainly in August or September.